I would suggest neither the subject, "condensed version," or otherwise, would make a wise starting place.
Steve Hassans books themselves should give you the answer.
sizemik
JoinedPosts by sizemik
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18
Exposing a JW to the definition of cults - good idea?
by NeverKnew infirst, i am not a jw and never was.
i ran into an old friend who had been "baptized" who "encouraged" me to consider looking into the faith he had become a part of (born-in).
i figured, "hey... maybe i'll learn something i've never known.
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Heres What Happened When an Elderly Woman Took It Upon Herself to Restore a Painting in a Nearby Church
by Arcadio inhttp://gawker.com/5936665/heres-what-happened-when-an-elderly-man-took-it-upon-himself-to-restore-a-painting-in-a-nearby-church.
"we admire people who have can-do, elbow-grease-type attitudes.
if something's broke, why not fix it?
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sizemik
Stop laughing and leave her alone . . . she hasn't finished it yet.
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Relationship Issues: Boundaries, Freedom of Choice and Codependency
by 00DAD inrelationship issues: boundaries, freedom of choice and codependency .
i just read a very interesting thought in the book, "boundaries" by cloud & townsend.
the basic problem in human relationship is that of freedom.
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sizemik
It is, I believe, a form of psychological violence to the soul of the individual.
A form of violence more akin to slow strangulation . . . as far as healthy relationships go. Something at the core just withers and dies. I've known some Ex-Jw's who have become very untrusting and reclusive . . . but their fear also stems from not having a normal societal experience and a huge lack of confidence as a result.
We can't go back and change the past. But we can learn from it. Certainly we all made some bad decisions based on trusting people that we now know were unworthy of our trust. Lesson learned.
It's a very critical point you make Dan . . . and it takes thinking it through to fully benefit. A careful deconstruction of the whole experience however, can actually give us the confidence we need. I find now days that the subtle signs given off by the disingenuous ring loud and clear (for some reason I always think of the JW's). Dealing with it appropriately and finding the trust balance again comes with a bit of effort (and help if necessary), as you are obviously finding.
Good angle . . . great contributions here.
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Favorite Blues Musicians & Songs - Youtubes Welcome !
by flipper insome of my favorite blues musicians are : muddy waters.
howlin wolf.
otis taylor.
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Do you think our society is on the verge of collapsing?
by jam innot to sound like the gloom and doom cult we were apart,.
but are we heading for an collapse in our society?.
iam sure we all are familiar with the signs that bring about.
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sizemik
It interesting to me how some point to the past and say . . . "nothing new here, it's all been said before." And then others point to the past and say . . . "things were so much better then, look how bad things are now."
Actually both are logical fallacies . . . the human race is progressing and changing through phases that we have never experienced before . . . the past is irrelevent, except for soothing fears or raising undue alarm, depending on your bias.
We need to view the world in it's current frame IMO and leave out the past. The current world population has almost tripled since 1950 . . . and plenty has changed along with it. We're simply on uncharted ground . . . and while I don't see a global collapse, the winds of change are blowing a fairly stiff breeze IMO. -
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Do you think our society is on the verge of collapsing?
by jam innot to sound like the gloom and doom cult we were apart,.
but are we heading for an collapse in our society?.
iam sure we all are familiar with the signs that bring about.
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sizemik
Economic oppression is much less tolerated now than a few generations ago. People are less respectful of Govts and Authority generally, largely because of corruption and some dismal track records. People are more inclined to speak out and protest since the 60's . . . but have never come under the economic oppressiveness that many are now experiencing.
I believe the economic climate will not improve soon . . . if ever, and social unrest will increase as a result. I don't see this as a bad thing . . . more of a necessary adjustment. However, if I was living in a country saturated with firearms . . . I may feel a little different.
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It's all about me.
by smmcroberts inbut it's mercifully brief.. actually, "teeny" sent me.
but i eagerly began posting here without first re-introducing myself.
i realize that could be considered slightly rude.
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sizemik
Welcome (back) Steve . . .
I'll make my way through the novel, it sounds interesting. Thanks for the free on-line version.
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Has anyone heard of "Secret Disfellowshipping" by Jehovah's Witnesses? Menlo Park Ca. Congregation. Update.
by Balaamsass inno doubt everyone has been following the juan viejo postings regarding the watchtower kingdom hall "grab" on jwn for the last couple of years.
called the mrs and me to say "wow- you have to google this" we did...came here to jwn ...became members..and the rest is history.. in the last nine months i have been calling and emailing contacts in the silicon valley for verification on the societies theft and forced sale of the menlo park kingdom hall (near the new facebook heaquarters) because the story seemed...a little far fetched.
every reliable contact i made has confirmed what juan reported.
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sizemik
I've been following the Menlo Park fiasco as best I can thanks mostly to folks here. The world-wide asset-grabbing policy kicked in as I was leaving . . . but this is taking it to a new level.
@Flipper . . . great post. Nobody need ever feel intimidated by these bastards . . . money grubbing pieces of shit that should be kicked to the kerb. Smugly hiding behind their "doctrinal processes" and legal resources in complete and criminal hypocrisy.
I really hope they don't win on this one, and that this issue gets a chance to be heard in court.
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Preaching the good news in Africa . . . WTS's future?
by sizemik inthere's been a few threads and comments on where wts will concentrate their efforts to maintain membership.
it has been suggested that the advent and growth of the net, among other things, has significantly slowed growth in most developed lands.
some of the new style of literature has added to the speculation that less devloped lands present a better opportunity.. .
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sizemik
There's been a few threads and comments on where WTS will concentrate their efforts to maintain membership. It has been suggested that the advent and growth of the net, among other things, has significantly slowed growth in most developed lands. Some of the new style of literature has added to the speculation that less devloped lands present a better opportunity.
I found this article fron Ghana News Agency which, although not breaking news, drops a couple of hints as to where and how WTS sees it's future.A couple of extracts for the lazy . . .
Giving the advice at a special Assembly Day programme in Accra at the weekend, Mr Stephen McIntyre, Circuit "53" Overseer of Jehovah's Witnesses, said with impartiality, Christians could win people with limited reading abilities as well as non-Christians into God's Kingdom.
A 10-year old Angelica Akowuahm, who dedicated herself to God through water baptism at the Assembly, said her goal was to enter full time ministry to serve God.
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Relationship Issues: Boundaries, Freedom of Choice and Codependency
by 00DAD inrelationship issues: boundaries, freedom of choice and codependency .
i just read a very interesting thought in the book, "boundaries" by cloud & townsend.
the basic problem in human relationship is that of freedom.
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sizemik
have had our personal boundaries trespassed on again and again the the WTBTS
Very valid point. When those boundaries, which for most people form naturally, are constantly disregarded, they eventually disappear altogether. As a JW my "space" was constantly violated inappropriately by all manner of people, but you just adapt to it. Consequently, I no doubt overstepped myself. I'm sure this is why Ex-JW's (especially those born in) can have such difficulty forming wholesome relationships after getting out. The roadmap for forming appropriate relationships is non-existent, and navigating the problem is often extremely difficult. Some really need help with this.
Excellent thread.